What You Need to Know When Choosing Fly Fishing Flies
Everyone who has ever fished, particularly those who consider themselves experienced fishers, know that excelling at fly fishing requires four things. Three of these necessities are skill, technique and grace.
The fourth requirement is the right equipment. Every fisher who enjoys this popular sport understands that appropriate, good quality gear is priority one. One of the most important pieces of gear in fly fishing, and probably the smallest, is the fly. This tiny bit of equipment is where the sport got its name.
What to Look for in a Fly Fishing Fly
Which fly fishing fly is the best? If you ask experienced anglers that question, you’re certain to start a heated discussion. Every fisherman has a favorite; a sure-fire, guaranteed-to-catch-a-fish fly. Some of these sportsmen will swear that the best flies are the ones designed and constructed by fishermen. Other anglers will state without hesitation that “homemade” flies are worthless, and that a true fisherman would only fish with flies purchased from a store that specializes in this sport. Obviously, whether hand-made or store bought flies are better is a matter of opinion, especially considering that anglers have a huge selection of flies and fly-making material from which to choose.
Get Wet or Stay Dry?
Putting personal opinions aside, most anglers will agree that the flies are usually divided into two categories: wet and dry. Wet refers to fly fishing flies that drop into the water, sometimes sinking to the bottom to entice fish far below the water’s surface. Wet flies are constructed with soft hackling, which gives the flies mobility under water. When wet fishing, it’s very common for anglers to utilize several flies at once in order to increase their odds.
Dry refers to flies that are cast above the water. Dry flies are designed to mimic mosquitoes and other insects that often attract fish. The angler casts the line and moves the fishing rod line around to simulate the motion of an insect buzzing just above the water’s surface.
To Buy or Tie?
When selecting flies, anglers will generally choose their flies based on the type of fish they’re attempting to catch. Others prefer instead to create, or tie, their own flies on their fly fishing rods, using many different types of materials, including both natural and synthetic.
You Can Buy Fly Fishing Flies at Many Different Locations
If you’re searching for a certain type of fly, or if you’re new to the sport and don’t know where to begin, shop at a store that specializes fly fishing gear. The salespersons at these retailers can provide informed guidance on what types of flies are designed for which fish and how to select them.
The Internet also offers a variety of options for purchasing fly fishing flies. Online sites offer anglers a chance to browse through the selection of flies at their own pace. Once they’ve made their selection, anglers can purchase the flies online and have them delivered to their home or office, or possibly even their favorite vacation spot.
